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Harmony in Motion

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Lesson Plan

Harmony in Motion Lesson Plan

Students will learn cooperation by working in pairs to create and perform rhythms and dances, strengthening teamwork, gross motor skills, and social-emotional awareness.

Early introduction to cooperation helps Pre-K/K learners develop social skills, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving in a joyful, active environment.

Audience

Pre-K and Kindergarten Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Hands-on music and movement collaboration.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review the Harmony in Motion Slide Deck to familiarize with slides and cues.
  • Print and cut out the Cooperation Rhythm Cards.
  • Gather colorful scarves and test the Bluetooth speaker with a sample playlist.
  • Clear furniture to create an open movement space.
  • Prepare a simple hello and goodbye song for circle time.

Step 1

Warm-Up and Greetings

5 minutes

  • Invite students to sit in a circle on the floor.
  • Lead a simple "Hello Song" encouraging each child to wave and say hello to a neighbor.
  • Guide gentle stretches: reach high, touch toes, wiggle arms to wake up bodies.

Step 2

Introduction to Cooperation and Rhythm

10 minutes

  • Display first slides from the Harmony in Motion Slide Deck.
  • Introduce key vocabulary: Cooperation (working together) and Rhythm (beat pattern).
  • Demonstrate a basic clap-clap-rest rhythm; have students echo the beat.
  • Ask, “How can we work together to make a rhythm?” and collect ideas.

Step 3

Rhythm Creation Activity

15 minutes

  • Divide class into pairs or groups of three.
  • Distribute a set of Cooperation Rhythm Cards to each group.
  • Explain how each card shows a clap or tap pattern.
  • Groups select 2–3 cards and practice keeping the beat together.
  • Circulate to support steady rhythm, praising teamwork.

Step 4

Dance Collaboration

10 minutes

  • Play an upbeat song via the Bluetooth speaker.
  • Give each group a colorful scarf.
  • Instruct students to move scarves in time with their rhythm pattern as a team.
  • Encourage sharing space and scarves, emphasizing gentle cooperation.

Step 5

Reflection and Closing

5 minutes

  • Gather students back in a circle with scarves off.
  • Ask: “What did you enjoy about working together today?”
  • Highlight examples of cooperation you observed.
  • Sing a quiet "Goodbye Song" to end the lesson on a calm note.
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Slide Deck

Harmony in Motion

Let’s make music and move together!

Welcome everyone to our music and movement lesson! Play a cheerful greeting tune softly in the background. Say: “Good morning, friends! Today we’ll make music and dance together!” Encourage claps and smiles as you transition to the next slide.

Hello Song & Stretches

👋 Wave hello!
🤸 Reach up high… touch your toes!

Ask the children to stand or sit in a circle. Teach a simple four-beat “Hello Song” including waving. Then guide kids through gentle stretches: “Reach up high like a tall tree, then touch your toes like picking flowers!”

Key Words: Cooperation & Rhythm

Cooperation = working together 🤝
Rhythm = a steady beat 🎶

Introduce the two key words with big gestures. Point to “Cooperation,” link arms with a volunteer. Snap your fingers for “Rhythm” and tap your leg. Invite kids to echo: “Co-op-er-a-tion!” “Rhy-thm!”

Play the clap-demo video (or demonstrate live): clap-clap-rest, clap-clap-rest. Have kids echo you two times. Cheer for each group who keeps a steady beat.

Create Your Rhythm

  1. Pick 2–3 cards 🎴
  2. Practice clap & tap patterns
  3. Keep the beat with your partner

Explain: “Now you and a friend will pick 2–3 rhythm cards and practice your own beat.” Show a sample card. Remind them to look at each other and clap together.

Dance with Your Scarf

Move scarves in time to your rhythm 🎨💃

Hand out scarves. Play upbeat music. Say: “Move your scarf up and down, side to side—follow your beat!” Encourage gentle sharing of space and scarves.

Reflection

What did you enjoy about working together?

Gather back in circle. Prompt: “Who can tell us what cooperation means?” Praise answers. Then ask: “What did you like most about working together?” Let a few children share.

Goodbye Song

👋 Goodbye friends, see you next time!

Sing a soft goodbye melody, waving scarves quietly. Example lyrics: “Goodbye friends, goodbye friends, see you next time!” Celebrate a great job with a final clap.

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Activity

Cooperation Rhythm Cards

Print, cut out, and laminate each card. Each card shows a simple 4-beat pattern using three icons: 👏 (clap), 🦶 (tap), 🤫 (rest). Children will choose 2–3 cards and echo the beat together.

Card Designs

  1. Card 1 – 👏 👏 🤫 🤫
    Clap, Clap, Rest, Rest


  2. Card 2 – 👏 🤫 👏 🤫
    Clap, Rest, Clap, Rest


  3. Card 3 – 👏 🦶 👏 🤫
    Clap, Tap, Clap, Rest


  4. Card 4 – 🦶 🤫 🦶 👏
    Tap, Rest, Tap, Clap


  5. Card 5 – 👏 🦶 🦶 🤫
    Clap, Tap, Tap, Rest


  6. Card 6 – 👏 🤫 🤫 👏
    Clap, Rest, Rest, Clap


Usage Tips for Teachers:

  • Shuffle and deal 2–3 cards to each pair or trio.
  • Demonstrate each icon sound: clap your hands, tap your lap or floor, then pause for rest.
  • Encourage partners to watch and listen to each other to stay in sync.
  • Celebrate smooth teamwork with high-fives and cheers!
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